Building Closure Position Stabilization via Motor Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for operating building closures like overhead sectional doors or garage doors with spring-loaded counterweight and electrical drive systems struggle to maintain stable positions without expensive auxiliary windings or mechanical interlocking units, which increase costs and are not adaptable to different door types and dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus with programmable steps and a learning phase to determine specific parameters for each door type and dimension, using a position detection device to monitor and adjust motor current, allowing for precise position determination and stabilization through electrical means, such as connecting terminal clamps to ground, without mechanical assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If expensive auxiliary windings or mechanical interlocking units are used to maintain stable positions, then position stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical interlocking units with an electrical control system. The control apparatus uses programmable logic to detect when the building closure reaches terminal positions and automatically activates the electrical motor to hold the position, eliminating the need for mechanical interlocking mechanisms while maintaining position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-positioning and self-holding through automated control. The control apparatus continuously monitors the building closure position and automatically activates the motor when terminal positions are detected, without requiring external mechanical intervention or complex auxiliary systems.
2Reliability
If mechanical interlocking units are installed to maintain position, then position stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive mechanical interlocking units with a cost-effective electrical control system. The control apparatus, using standard electrical components and programmable logic, achieves position holding functionality at lower manufacturing cost while maintaining the same reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses inexpensive electrical control components and software-based position detection instead of costly mechanical interlocking hardware. The control apparatus can be programmed to handle different door types and dimensions, reducing the need for expensive custom mechanical components.
3Reliability
If auxiliary windings are added to the electrical motor to maintain position, then position stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical auxiliary winding solution with a control-based approach. The control apparatus detects terminal positions and uses the existing electrical motor to maintain position, eliminating the need for additional auxiliary windings and associated complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus serves multiple functions: it controls motor operation, detects terminal positions, determines building closure position, and activates position-holding mode. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate auxiliary systems while maintaining position stability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a learning run is performed to determine specific parameters, then adaptability to different door types is improved, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a learning run during installation or initial setup to determine specific parameters for different door types and dimensions. These parameters are stored in the control apparatus and used for subsequent operations, enabling adaptability without time loss during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus stores parameter sets for different door types and dimensions, allowing it to quickly switch between configurations without performing a learning run each time. The learned parameters are copied and reused for similar door configurations, reducing operation time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a building closure is disclosed. The building closure may be in the shape of a sectional door or a garage door. The position of the building closure and a motor current of a drive device is monitored by a control apparatus. When the building closure stands still, an electrical drive device arrests the building enclosure by providing an electrically conducting connection between winding of the drive device to ground. The position detection device continues to monitor a signal change such that in response to the signal change, the arresting is suspended and the electrical drive device is at least partially energized.